Firefighters on Thursday continued to battle a brush blaze that has wiped out at least four structures, including a home, and scorched 247 acres near Clayton, according to officials.
The so-called Marsh Fire burning east of Mount Diablo near Marsh Creek Road and Bragdon Way in Contra Costa County was 75 percent contained as of late Thursday, according to Cal Fire. Forward progress of the flames has been halted.
While crews have gained ground on the fire, at least 100 structures remain threatened by the blaze, which ripped through dry brush across steep terrain after igniting, Cal Fire stated Thursday.
One house on Aspara Drive was burned to the ground, and another on Marsh Creek Road barely escaped major damage. One couple said they lost 30 chickens and thousands of dollars worth of farming equipment. But thankfully, firefighters were able to save their house.
"I can see that there’s charred marks within 12 or 18 inches of our door and what was gone," said Andrea, who did not wish to give her last name. "It happened so quickly, we were able to get the dogs out but lost all the chickens, unfortunately."
The fires also destroyed one of their sheds, which held tools, farm equipment and an ATV.
Mandatory evacuation orders remained in place for people along Marsh Creek Road from Morgan Territory Road to Gill Drive, according to Cal Fire. Evacuation centers have been opened at the Clayton Library Meeting Room located at 6125 Clayton Road in Clayton and at the Brentwood Community Center situated at 35 Oak St. in Brentwood.
A number of roads also remained closed as of Thursday morning:
- Marsh Creek Road at Gill Drive (hard closure)
- Marsh Creek Road at Clayton Road (hard closure)
- Morgan Territory Road at Marsh Creek Road (hard closure)
- Marsh Creek Road at Deer Valley (open to residents only)
PG&E has restored power to the neighborhood in Clayton, except for the homes on Aspara Drive.
